Have you noticed that you never seem to be “in the mood” much anymore? If you used to enjoy knocking boots but now find yourself completely turned off by the idea, it might be worth finding out if there are any underlying issues at hand. As the big sister you always wanted, we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on with your hormones and body, and more importantly, what to do about it. Here’s how to increase libido in women.

Causes of low libido

Before you start to panic, remember that experiencing low libido from time to time is completely normal. While movies and TV shows may make you think that you should be ready to get frisky at any given moment, real life is a bit more complicated than that. Especially if you’ve got a lot on your plate. 

That said, if you’re consistently experiencing low libido and aren’t sure what’s going on, it’s worth reflecting on where you’re at in life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Physical causes, hormonal changes, psychological goings-on, and relationship issues can all affect your sex drive. Sex is complicated and so is our interest in it! Here’s a more in-depth look at what could be causing low libido: 

Physical and emotional problems

From lifestyle habits to certain medications, low sex drive could be a result of physical or emotional causes. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and contraceptives, can actually lower sex drive. Speak to your physician to find out more about the side effects of any prescription medication you’re currently taking, just in case. 
• Pain during sex: If you’re consistently experiencing pain during sex, it’s no wonder you’re not looking forward to having fun between the sheets anymore. It’s essential to speak with your doctor or a sex counselor to find out more about what’s causing the pain, and how best to address it. 
• Fatigue: From working long hours to parenting young children, feeling constantly fatigued has a significant impact on your sex drive. 
• Substances: Believe it or not, consuming large quantities of alcohol or other illegal substances to get you in the mood can actually have the opposite effect. If you’re not feeling it, you’re not feeling it.
  
• Low self-esteem: If you feel insecure about your body or appearance, then low libido is completely understandable. 
• Mental health problems: Depression and anxiety are known culprits for lowering sex drive. 

Hormonal fluctuations

As women, our hormones are constantly fluctuating depending on where we’re at in our cycle. But there are certain hormonal shifts that are known to affect sex drive. These include: 

• Pregnancy: Women experience a rollercoaster of hormonal fluctuations both while pregnant and afterward. This can result in low mood and fatigue, which can impact libido. 
• Menopause: Just when you think you’ve finally got to grips with your hormones, Menopause happens. Known to decrease libido and cause vaginal dryness in many, sex can often be the last thing on a Menopausal woman’s mind.
  
• High cortisol levels: Cortisol, otherwise known as the “Stress hormone,” can have a huge impact on sexual interest. The more stressed out you feel, the more likely your Cortisol levels will spike, and that might result in lower libido. 
• Thyroid problems: That tiny gland located in your neck is responsible for so many things in your body. If it isn’t functioning correctly, you’re likely to experience a decrease in sex drive. Tell-tale signs of Thyroid issues include thinning hair, constipation, thinning eyelashes, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. 
• Unbalanced Testosterone levels: Similar to Estrogen, unbalanced Testosterone is also linked to lower sex drive in women. 

How to increase libido in Women – 5 tips

Here at Hormona, we believe that knowledge is power. If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. For any emotional and physical causes, having a chat with your physician or a qualified counselor is a great idea. But if you think your hormones are to blame — which is fairly common — we’ve got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve to help you out. 

1. Prioritize self-care

Self-care is a buzzword you can’t seem to escape, and for good reason. And that’s because the more you look after your body and mind, the healthier you’ll be physically, emotionally, and sexually. Try engaging in exercise regularly and releasing tension with yoga and meditation. The more you address stressors, the better chance you have at keeping your Cortisol at optimal levels. 

2. Evaluate your diet

Listen, it’s true what they say — you are what you eat. And some food choices can have a strong effect on both sexual desire and performance. If you eat foods associated with high levels of inflammation, including refined carbohydrates, sugar, and trans fats, your sex drive is likely to be affected.

Instead try adding anti-inflammatory foods such as green veggies, salmon, turmeric, blueberries, and other foods high in zinc to your diet. While you may not see results overnight, it shouldn’t be long before you notice a positive change. 

3. Test your hormones

If you’re struggling to increase your libido despite making lots of lifestyle changes, speak with your doctor about hormone testing. A simple blood test can check your levels and see if any are out of balance, at which point they’ll be able to discuss treatment options where necessary.

4. Balance hormones naturally

Unbalanced hormones are among the reasons increasing libido in women can be tricky, because they play such a huge part in how you’re feeling. If your Estrogen and Testosterone levels are all over the place, for example, you may be experiencing a low sex drive among other unpleasant symptoms.

While balancing your hormones won’t happen overnight, there are things you can do to help your hormones naturally. They include looking after your gut by eating plenty of fiber, lowering sugar intake, and reducing stress. Prioritizing your sleep and eating an adequate amount of protein and healthy fats are also great ideas.

These changes, in conjunction with any therapies prescribed by your healthcare team, could help rebalance your hormones and your libido.

5. Hormone therapy

There are various hormone therapies available, ranging from pills and patches to vaginal inserts, particularly if your loss of libido is linked to Menopause. Outside of HRT, Testosterone has shown some positive results in women after Menopause. But it’s not an official treatment for low libido in women in either the U.S. or the U.K.

How to increase libido in women: What now?

If you’re ready to boost your libido, it’s time to prioritize hormonal health. Stay on track with daily insights and advice by logging ongoing symptoms and moods in your Hormona app. Take advantage of the simple and often delicious ways to balance hormones with recipes and activities to build a healthier you — sex drive included.

The more you look after your hormones and health, the better chance you have of looking forward to having fun in the sheets. But take it slow and remember that fluctuations are completely normal and expected. So give yourself a break every now and then — you got this! 

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anna Targonskaya, MD,  OBGYN, and Medical Advisor at Hormona

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